When assessing a patient with right-sided closed tension pneumothorax, the nurse would expect to find:
A) the trachea displaced to the right.
B) the trachea displaced to the left.
C) an open chest wound.
D) air exits the chest wall during exhalation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a right-sided tension pneumothorax, air trapped in the pleural space causes pressure that pushes the trachea to the opposite side, which is the left in this case.

When Assessing a Patient with Right-Sided Closed Tension Pneumothorax, the Nurse